Abstract
This paper argues for a standardized use of definitions and outcome measures in publications
on West syndrome. Specific recommendations include the need for a validated definition
of hypsarrhythmia, the use of the term non-symptomatic and abandoning the terms cryptogenic
and idiopathic, talking about underlying disease association and not aetiology or
cause and defining a clinical response to mean that no clinical evidence of a spasm
has been seen for a specified time – 48 h was suggested. Patients should be followed
up to report development – perhaps at 12–15 months and again at 2 and 5 years. Disease
free survival should be reported. Side effects need to be seen as adverse events producing
risk modification. Outcomes should be blind whenever possible. A consensus group will
take these and other suggestions forward – please contact mailto:[email protected]
if you are interested in taking part.
Keywords
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References
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- Atlas of electroencephalograpy. Epilepsy. Addison-Wesley, Cambridge, MA1952 (p. 2)
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- Cryptogenic/idiopathic West syndrome.in: Dulac O. Chugani H. Dalla Bernardina B. Infantile spasms and West syndrome. Saunders, London1994: 232-243
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 7,
2001
Received in revised form:
July 4,
2001
Received:
May 15,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
